Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is
a strict grain-free, lactose-free, and sucrose-free dietary
regimen intended for those suffering from Crohn's
Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, IBD,
all dietary components, carbohydrates have the greatest influence
on intestinal microbes (yeast and bacteria) which are believed
to be involved in intestinal disorders. Most intestinal microbes
require carbohydrates for energy. The SCD works by severely
limiting the availability of carbohydrates to intestinal microbes.
When carbohydrates are not digested, they are not absorbed.
They remain in the intestinal tract, thus encouraging microbes
to multiply by providing food for them. This can lead to the
formation of acids and toxins which can injure the small intestine.
Once bacteria multiply within the small intestine, they can
destroy the enzymes on the intestinal cell surface, preventing
carbohydrate digestion and absorption. At this point, production
of excessive mucus may be triggered as the intestinal tract
attempts to "lubricate" itself against the irritation caused
by the toxins, acids, and the presence of incompletely digested
and unabsorbed carbohydrates.
SCD is based on the principle that specifically selected carbohydrates
requiring minimal digestion are well absorbed, leaving virtually
nothing for intestinal microbes to feed on. As the microbes
decrease due to lack of food, their harmful by-products also
diminish. No longer needing protection, the mucus producing
cells stop producing excessive mucus and carbohydrate digestion
is improved. The SCD corrects malabsorption, allowing nutrients
to enter the bloodstream and be made available to the cells
of the body, thereby strengthening the immune system's ability
to fight. Further debilitation is prevented, weight can return
to normal, and ultimately there is a return to health.
SCD was developed by Dr. Sydney Valentine Haas, and is described
in his book, "The Management of Celiac Disease".
Elaine Gottschall's daughter was saved by the SCD, causing
Elaine to further research the diet and to describe it in
further detail in her own book, "Breaking
The Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet".
about the diet itself
Elaine's official web site: BreakingTheViciousCycle.info
about IBD, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis